Author: 
The town of Ella flies high at 1 041m above sea level. Located in the Badulla district and in the heart of the country, it is the best place to enjoy the misty hills of Sri Lanka. In this town, you can experience true green nature and discover some of the biggest industries in the country ( tea plantations, coffee, etc.). Ella has all the adventurous trails you need if you enjoy hiking or your regular stroll.
Weather
Although Sri Lanka is known for its tropical heat, there are a few places where the temperatures drop. Ella is located amongst the hills and mountains, and the higher altitude means that the days here don’t get as warm as in the coastal towns.
This cooler climate means you must bring a jacket and a raincoat if you plan on walking around. Rest assured, it is not freezing cold, but the high humidity and wind can leave you feeling fresh when you are out and about.
What to do?
Visiting Ella is taking a step into nature. However, you travel to the town, whether by bus, tuk-tuk or train, you will come across many amazing views.
I have noted some of the must-see locations in Ella that will transform your days into long-lasting memories. First up are the different Hiking trails and spots you can discover on foot:
Nine Arches Bridge, Demodara
I would say this is the most famous spot in the area amongst the tourists. Found on the railway line from Ella to Demodara, the viaduct bridge offers fantastic scenery and architecture.
Dating back to colonial times the bridge was built by Sri Lankans with the help of British engineers using only cement, stones and bricks.
The nine arch bridge is an excellent and easy walk but a bit muddy on rainy days. From the main road, you will see a small Hindu temple. If you follow the road behind it, you will make your way to the bridge.
Here you can capture some stunning photos and watch the typical Sri Lankan trains cross it. Yes, you heard correctly, the railway is still active, so as you take a stroll, keep this in mind.
I recommend heading to this spot a little earlier as it quickly gets stormed with people. If you plan to watch a train crossing check the times from the stations, it will save you the endless wait once at the bridge. There are a few small stalls at the bridge, but it is better to plan ahead. There is nothing worse than getting hangry on your day out.
Little Adam’s Peak
Another relatively easy and well-worth stop is little Adams peak. The highest point measures 1,141 m (3,743 ft) and is found on the South-East side of the town.
If you want to live unique once-in-a-lifetime moments, then catch the sunrise or sunset at the top.
The name is inspired by the more significant and complex ascent of Adam’s Peak (The highest peak in Sri Lanka).
It will take around 25 minutes to climb to the top, and most of the path has stairs. This means you will need a torch and jacket. I recommend you leave before sunrise to catch all the different shades of colour.
If possible, bring a coffee or tea flask to enjoy at the top. The peak can get pretty busy quickly, so if you want the best seats, head out accordingly.
Ella Rock
This 4-hour trek (up and down) is the perfect activity for those who are up for a more significant challenge. I recommend leaving early or later in the evening to access the lookout point.
You will travel across railways and a Eucalyptus forest close to the town before climbing the peak. If you time it correctly, the views awaiting you for the sunrise or set are breathtaking.
Finding Ella rock can be tricky, even for the more experienced hikers. So don’t hesitate to take a local guide with you and ask around. Remember that tropical weather can change very quickly, so a raincoat, jacket and water always come in handy.
Ella is also home to multiple waterfalls:
Ravana Ella Falls
The waterfall measures 25 m (82 ft) tall and is located approximately 6 km from the town centre. Named after the ancient king of Sri Lanka Ravana, it is believed that he kidnapped a princess and hid her in the cave behind this waterfall as revenge.
Most people spot this one whilst travelling around the area as it is just next to the roadside. Passing by the site can be an excellent place to stretch your legs but can get busy reasonably fast. If you are feeling more adventurous, it is possible to bathe here.
Ravana Cave
The Ravana cave is a site rich in history. Located around 2 km from Ella town, it sits on the side of a cliff. The access to the ridge is not for the faint-hearted. Although accessible initially, the last few steps will require steep climbing sections. Head to the cave, starts at the Maha Ravana Viharaya and start the 1km journey up. To do so, you will climb 650 steps, some not so even, and at the end, climb a section with no steps. The cave is pretty small but is a fun adventure.
Diyaluma Falls
This one is a day trip out as the fall is about 1 hours drive from Ella.
Diyaluma is known to be the second highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. This waterfall is a spectacular sight of an impressive 220 m (720 ft).
When visiting the fall, be sure to go to the bottom and also the top. Both ends of the fall are impressive and offer a fantastic view of the surrounding landscape. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out.
The climb takes around 30 minutes, and on the way up, the pools get deeper. If you feel more adventurous, take a dip in the infinity pool at the top. Take a guide if you plan to enjoy a dip in the fresh waters, as the conditions here can change very quickly. Depending on the rainfall, the water’s strength and depth can vary.
The Flying Ravana
For a more exciting experience, you can fly over the green hills on the Flying Ravana zipline. Soaring high at 82m, get the experience of a lifetime. The zipline offers a 500m ride at 80kmph. It is one of the best ways to take in the views. As your journey up Little Adam’s peak, you will come across the famous zipline.
You can book your tickets ahead to skip the queues.
You can enjoy many hillside adventures at the activity park, such as ATV/quad bike rides, Abseiling, Archery, and Air rifling.
- Minimum weight: 30kg
- Minimum height: 90cm
- Maximum height : 195cm
- Maximum weight: 100kg
How to get to Ella?
If you plan on travelling to Ella, you have more than one option, depending on where you are. With the recent economic crisis, Sri Lanka has been experiencing fuel shortages Island wide. So this has affected transport in the country. Although times are hard, you can still make it around the Island for some extra dollars.
Taxi
The comfiest way to travel is by taxi. Air-conditioning, pit-stops and freedom from wearing your face mask. You can arrange for a taxi to take you to Ella easily. Ask your accommodation for help or book online. The prices have risen but are still cheaper than the Western rates.
Tuk-tuk
I would recommend travelling by tuk-tuk for shorter journeys. Hair in the wind is an exciting and relatively comfortable way to travel around. Still, this probably won’t work out if you have baggage. The price really depends on the driver you have. They generally overprice the ride to your destination as they know tourists can afford it. You can negotiate the price with the tuk-tuk guys and decide if the rate is good for you.
Train (Colombo-Badulla railway line, Nuwara Eliya to Ella)
You can catch different trains to reach Ella. The trains are incredibly cheap and slow. It is the best way to travel if you want to capture the views and have enough time. The trains in Sri Lanka are old and not so clean, but you can find a seat and take your bags. I strongly advise wearing your face mask and cleaning your hands regularly if you use public transport here.
Where to eat?
When staying in Ella, you have plenty of options of places to eat. The area is covered by smaller towns, all having smaller local restaurants. You dig into some local grub, or if you want something a little more developed, you can eat in the centre of the town. The main road full of restaurants and cafes offering Western-style cuisine is not far from the train station.
Where to stay?
In Ella, there are plenty of hotels, guest houses or small lodges you can stay in. I would recommend booking your accommodation before travelling to simplify your arrival. If you want a unique experience, you can book smaller places with amazing views and luxurious spaces. Most places will serve breakfasts, and other meals can be arranged relatively quickly.
What to bring with you?
- Jacket: In case of wind or lower temperatures.
- Raincoat: Fold-away ones are ideal.
- Walking shoes: Closed shoes that are comfortable to walk in.
- Swimsuit: If you fancy taking a dip in the waterfalls or swimming pools.
- Mosquito spray: Although there are not as many as in the Southern region, they are still present.
- Water bottle: Always keep some water with you as the tap water here is not the best for foreign bellies.
Ella is a natural beauty that must be experienced. Endless jungle views and long curvy roads offer some of the prettiest journeys in the country. With a more relaxed and local vibe to the area, you can easily take a step back from the busy everyday life rhythm. Ella is about appreciating the small things in life, such as nature, your morning coffee, a nice meal and family time. I hope this tropical paradise leaves you as grateful and surprised by nature as it did me!
